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5 Easy Fall Updates for the Home,
on a Budget!
by Kathy Wilson
Fall is a time of change, so why not take a little time to make some
quick, easy and inexpensive updates to your home, to reflect the spirit
of the season! Here are some great ideas to inspire you to enjoy the
season in every part of your home!
1. Line a pretty bowl or tray with a cloth napkin, and fill with nature
finds…acorns, seed pods, pinecones, or even pretty stones. Now nestle a
small cup or bowl into the center of the larger bowl, fill with water,
then tuck mum, daisy, or sunflower blossoms inside the small cup. A
pretty centerpiece for any table, or even a friendly greeting to set on
your front porch!
2. Pick up some wire edged ribbon from your local discount store in
wonderful fall shades. It doesn’t have to be orange! Golds, greens,
browns…any deep earthy color will do!
Now wind your ribbon around your everyday displays for an immediate
autumn boost! Let the ribbon wind and curve naturally in and out of your
decorative objects on mantels, shelves, or the top of armoires or
entertainment centers. Tie a bow with a wavy trail of ribbon around
baskets or display bowls. Even tie your guest towels with it!
3. Make a pretty fall wreath for your front door. Pick up a grapevine or
straw wreath for just a couple of dollars at the craft or discount
store, they are perfect for the season. Take the kids on a nature walk
and gather organic elements for your wreath. Small pieces of driftwood,
a tiny birds nest, seed pods or pretty stones are all great ideas!
Always remember to gather responsibly! Now use your glue gun to attach
all the items, and finish with a pretty fall bow, or wind a silk fall
leaf garland around the whole wreath. If you don’t have a glue gun,
twist ties from bread bags can be used to wire the items on from the
back. Hang on your front door, over a fireplace, or over your bed.
4. Make pressed leaf stained glass! Gather beautiful fall leaves, and
press them under a heavy book between sheets of paper or paper towels.
Let dry a few days to 2 weeks, depending on the leaf. Pick up some wood
photo frames from the dollar shop or discount store. You will need two
frames for every stained glass project. Remove the glass from one of the
frames, and save that frame for another project. Remove the backing of
the first frame, and lay the leaves in a pleasing arrangement, but
without overlapping, on the picture frame glass. Place the second piece
of glass over the leaves as a backing, and use the bendable tabs to
secure. Secure a ribbon or chain to the back. Now hang the glasswork in
a window, where the sun can shine through the brilliant colors of fall!
5. Add fabric layers to your tables and shelving to add to the cocooning
feel of the season. Layering fabric is a designer secret to add a rich
sense of warmth and comfort.
You can use cloth napkins, fabric leftovers, or finds from the thrift
store or garage sales to build your fabric “wardrobe” on a budget! Flat
sheets work well as tablecloths or curtain panels. Recover dining room
chair seats with some fabric and a staple gun, or sew up a few envelope
style pillow covers for your sofa pillows, to update them for the
season.
Simply look for fabric in your color scheme, and always combine a solid
color with patterns to ground the look.
So take a weekend, or even a few evening moments stolen here or there to
update your décor for fall, and celebrate the season’s natural delights!
About the author
Kathy Wilson is an author, columnist and editor of several popular
websites including TheBudgetDecorator.com and StressLessJournal.com. For
hundreds of free budget decorating ideas and to sign up for her free
online newsletter, visit her at
http://www.TheBudgetDecorator.com
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